Red Sox Could Target Former Alex Bregman Teammate, Free Agency ‘Crown Jewel’

Another slugger with Houston Astros roots could be on his way to Boston.

That’s according to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, who examined Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s options in free agency following the blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.

“Even if the Red Sox acquire players on expiring contracts this summer, there should be ample room in the payroll to get aggressive in free agency this offseason,” Feinsand wrote.

“Kyle Tucker is going to be the crown jewel of the upcoming class, but other prominent free agents potentially include Pete Alonso, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and Bo Bichette.”

Tucker is in his first season with the Cubs following his Dec. 2024 trade from Houston to Chicago.

He’s a big reason the Cubs are in first place in the National League Central, hitting 15 home runs with 46 RBI while slashing .395/.528/.923.

In Houston, Tucker was a three-time All-Star who earned a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award.

He teamed up with current Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman to help the Astros win the 2022 World Series. That year Tucker tied his career-high with 30 home runs and drove in a team-leading 107 runs. Bregman, who’s close to returning from a right quad injury, signed a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston in February.

This year, Tucker is playing for the Cubs on a one-year, $16.5 million contract after avoiding arbitration last winter.

The 28-year-old Tucker is one of several offseason options for the Red Sox, should they want to add a bat to the lineup. Boston already has been linked to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who signed a two-year, $54 million contract before this season. The deal includes an opt-out after the 2025 World Series.

Alonso is eighth this season in the National League with 18 home runs and tied for second with 64 RBI.

The four-time All-Star and two-time Home Run Derby champion is a big reason the Mets are contending for a playoff spot this year. New York trails the Phillies by one game in the National League East following Sunday’s 7-1 loss in Philadelphia.